Union accuses union of unfair labor practices

Local 19, UNITE HERE, which represents employees at the New York State Nurses Association, has accused the union of unfair tactics during contract negotiations.

The charges, according to Local 19, stem from the failure of the association to bargain in good faith by attempting to negotiate directly with members, by attempting to rescind a grievance settlement, and by interfering with the contract negotiating committee.

Negotiations, which began in the fall of 2005, are now in their 14th month. The agreement ran out March 31, the union said.

At issue is employee workloads, accrual of comp time and wages. Members say the nurses’ union has demanded increased hours without considering adjusting the workload.

The Nurses Association represents 34,000 registered nurses in New York and New Jersey. Local 19 is an affiliate of UNITE HERE, which represents 600,000 members in North America.

A spokeswoman for the nurses association said the charges were without merit.

“It’s unfortunate it has happened this way,” said union spokeswoman Nancy Webber. “We treat our empoyees fairly, and we certainly understand labor law and follow it.”

Local 19 represents about 60 workers at the nurses association, and has been representing workers since 2003.